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ThesisItem Open Access A STUDY ON ASSOCIATIVE EFFECT OF NON-STARCH POLYSACHARIDE DEGRADING ENZYMES WITH PHYTASE, PREBIOTICS AND PROBIOTICS ON PERFORMANCE IN BROILERS AND LAYERS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2011-09) NARASIMHA, JATOTH; NAGALAKSHMI, D(MAJOR); RAMANA REDDY, Y; RAJASEKHARA REDDY, A; SUDHAKAR, K; VIROJI RAO, S.TABSTRACT: A study was undertaken to develop a suitable NSP enzyme combination to improve nutrient utilization from corn-soybean meal based diets for broilers and layers by in vitro and in vivo experiments. Also the associative effect of NSP enzymes with prebiotics, probiotics and phytase was investigated. The broiler and layer diets were supplemented with eight concentrations of xylanase (1000, 2500, 5000, 7500, 10000, 20000, 40000 and 60000 IU/kg), cellulase (50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 and 6400 IU/kg) and Ī²-D-glucanase (50, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200 and 6400 IU/kg), three best concentrations of each NSP enzyme was selected for both broiler and layer diets. With these enzyme concentrations, twenty seven (3x3x3) combinations were formulated and among them, the significantly (P<0.01) higher sugars release was recorded for combination of xylanase -7500, cellulase -100 and Ī²-D-glucanase -100 IU/kg/diet for broiler diet and for layer, the NSP enzyme combination was xylanase-10000, cellulase-400 and Ī²-D-glucanase-100 IU/kg and these were selected for conducting in vivo experiments in broilers and layers. The synergistic effect of NSP enzyme and protease was observed in broilers with supplementation of 2000 IU/kg diet. In broiler Experiment-I, 360 day old broiler chicks were weighed, wing banded and randomly distributed in to twelve experimental groups, six replicates per group and five birds per replicate and raised in electrically heated battery brooders to evaluate the effect of the NSP enzyme combination selected from in vitro studies along with or without protease supplemented to four corn-soybean meal based broiler diets varying in energy concentration i.e. standard energy (SD) and three low energy diets, [(-75 (LE1), -150 (LE2) and -225 (LE3) kcal lower ME than SD] on performance, nutrient retentions, carcass traits, gut conditions and cost economics. Significant (P<0.01) interaction of dietary energy concentration and NSP enzymes was observed for body weight gain from week 1 to 6, during starter (0-3 weeks), finisher (4-6 weeks) and total gain (0-6 weeks). The total weight gain was significantly (P<0.01) higher in enzyme supplemented groups in SD, LE1 and LE3. The total body weight gain reduced (P<0.01) with reduction of 225 kcal/ME in diet (LE3) compared to SD. No further improvement was observed with additional supplementation of protease. The feed intake and feed conversion ratio (FCR) significantly (P<0.05) improved with supplementation of NSP enzymes, alone or in combination with protease, irrespective of level of energy. The supplementation of NSP enzymes increased (P<0.05) the organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), ether extract (EE), nitrogen free extract (NFE) and gross energy (GE) retentions and further improvement was observed with addition of protease. Tibia ash content in broilers was not influenced by either the level energy or NSP enzymes supplementation. Irrespective of level of energy, enzyme supplementation with or without protease reduced (P<0.05) intestinal pH, viscosity and E. coli count (cfu/ml). Sections of intestines revealed elongated villi with uniform distribution of goblet cell in NSP enzyme supplemented diets fed birds, where as congested and moderately short ruptured villi were observed in no enzyme fed ones. Dressing and breast yield was un effected by dietary energy but NSP enzyme supplementation increased (P<0.01) the yields. Abdominal fat (%) was lower in LE2, LE3, but no effect of NSP enzyme and protease was observed. Feed cost of production per kg live weight gain for overall period was comparable in SD, LE1 and LE2 and decreased (P<0.01) in LE3. Supplementing NSP enzyme increased (P<0.01) the feed cost of production and further with addition of protease. Based on the Experiment-I findings, LE3 diet was selected for 2nd broiler experiment to study the associative effect of NSP enzymes with prebiotics, probiotics and phytase on broiler performance. Supplementing BD (LE3 diet of Experiment-I) with NSP enzymes with or without prebiotics and phytase had no effect on total body weight gain, while addition of probiotics or synbiotics along with NSP enzymes significantly (P<0.05) improved the total weight gain. Supplementing all feed additives to BD had increased the gain by 7.48%. The overall feed intake was not affected in broilers fed BD or BD supplemented with NSP enzymes along with either, prebiotics, probiotics, phytase or synbiotics. Similarly, supplementation of all feed additives had no effect on feed intake. The FCR improved with addition of NSP enzymes along with either, prebiotics, probiotics or synbiotics. While no associative effect of phytase was observed on FCR. The FCR improved with addition of all feed additives to BD compared to both BD and SD. The retention of OM, CP and GE was significantly (P<0.05) improved with addition of NSP enzymes along with either prebiotics, probiotics or phytase. NSP enzymes with synbiotics had no effect on nutrient retention except GE. BD supplemented with NSP enzymes with phytase and all feed additives improved the retention of OM, CP, NFE, GE and phosphorus indicating synergistic effect of these feed additives. Addition of either prebiotics, probiotics and phytase, individually or combination of all along with NSP enzymes to BD reduced (P<0.05) intestinal pH and viscosity, cost of feeding and cost of production per kg live weight gain compared to BD and SD. The selected enzyme combination for layers from in vitro studies was supplemented to four layer diets varying in dietary energy concentration to investigate the possibility of reducing the energy concentration in the diets with NSP enzymes supplementation. The diets were standard energy diet (2600 kcal ME/kg) (SD) and other three were low energy diets having 100 (LE1), 200 (LE2) and 300 (LE3) kcal lower ME/kg diet than the SD and were fed for three laying periods of twenty eight days. Significant (P<0.01) interaction of dietary energy concentration and NSP enzymes was observed on percent hen day production during 2nd period and such interaction was not observed for 1st and 3rd period. During 2nd period, NSP enzymes supplementation increased the percent hen day production for SD and LE2 and a trend of improvement was observed for LE1 diet with NSP enzymes supplementation. Feed intake was comparable among various groups, in 1st, 2nd and third period. The feed intake was higher (P<0.05) in LE3 compared to SD and LE1 and no effect of NSP enzyme supplementation was observed. No effect of dietary energy or NSP enzymes supplementation was observed on weight changes, dressing yield, abdominal fat, weight of liver and gizzard, tibia ash, egg weight, egg mass, shell thickness and specific gravity of egg. However, breast yield reduced (P<0.05) gradually with lowering of dietary energy and heart weight was higher in SD compared to low energy dietary groups. NSP enzyme supplementation increased (P<0.01) intestinal length. Albumen and yolk index was lower in (P<0.01) LE2 and LE3 groups compared to SD. The mean shell weight in birds fed LE2 or LE3 was significantly (P<0.05) higher than those fed SD and LE1. Irrespective of level of energy, NSP enzymes addition significantly (P<0.01) improved the utilization of DM, OM, CP, CF, EE, NFE and GE. Intestinal pH, viscosity and E. coli count was reduced (P<0.01) in NSP enzymes supplemented groups compared to un supplemented ones. The sections of intestines revealed elongated broad and dividing villi with increased number of goblet cell in NSP enzymes supplemented groups irrespective of level of energy. The feed cost to produce dozen eggs was higher (P<0.05) for LE3 compared to SD and irrespective of dietary energy, NSP enzymes supplementation reduced the feed cost of production. The LE3 diet was selected to test the additive effect of supplementing NSP enzymes with prebiotics or probiotics and phytase. The percent hen day production was not affected by supplementation of NSP enzymes along with prebiotics or probiotics but improved with addition of phytase or synbiotics with NSP enzymes. Feed intake (g/bird/day), FCR (g/feed/g egg) and egg quality traits and slaughter attributes were not affected by supplementation of various feed additives (NSP enzymes, prebiotics, probiotics and phytase) alone or their combination. The DM, OM and NFE retention was comparable among the experimental groups. Supplementation of NSP enzymes along with other feed additives, (probiotics and phytase) improved (P<0.05) retention of CP, CE, EE, GE and phosphorus and no associative effect of prebiotics was observed on nutrient retention. Intestinal pH, viscosity and E. coli count in feed additives supplemented groups was significantly (P<0.05) reduced compared to un supplemented ones. The feed cost per dozen eggs did not increase with supplementation of NSP enzymes alone or along with either of prebiotics, probiotics, phytase or synbiotics and was comparable to SD. While supplementing all the feed additives to BD significantly (P<0.05) reduced to the feed cost per dozen eggs compared to BD and SD. From this study, it can be concluded that supplementing NSP enzyme combinations developed from in vitro studies improved body weight gain feed conversion efficiency in broilers and egg production in layers fed corn-soybean meal based diets varying in energy concentration with improvement in nutrient retentions and gut health. Associative effect of NSP enzymes with either prebiotics, probiotics or phytase was observed for nutrient retentions and gut health at reduced cost of production in both broilers and layers.ThesisItem Open Access DEVELOPMENT OF FEEDING PRACTICES FOR OPTIMUM GROWTH AND CARCASS CHARACTERISTICS IN WEANED/GROWING RAM LAMBS(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2011-02) MALISETTY VENKATESWARLU, U; RAMANA REDDY, Y(MAJOR); NAGALAKSHMI, D; RAJASEKHAR KEDDY, A; MAHENDER, MABSTRACT: The first experiment was conducted to develop a suitable feeding system to early weaned Nellore ram lambs by feeding traditional creep (R-I), creep plus berseem hay (R-11) and sorghum straw (unconventional) based creep (R-111) for the first one month followed by sorghum straw based wmplete ration (50:50) for remaining four months period to all the three groups for obtaining optimum growth at lower cost. The second investigation was carried out by feeding sorghum straw (Sorghum bicolor) based wmplete rations at the ratio of 70:30 (CR-I), 60:40 (CR-II), 50:50 (CR-111) and 40:60 (CR-IV) for I80 days to find out suitable ratio of sorghum straw and concentrate feed in the economic wmplete ration (mash form) for optimum growth, production and carcass characteristics in Nellore ram lambs. The third experiment was conducted on-farm in Nellore ram lambs by feeding intensively for five months period with sole maize silage (R-I), silage + concentrate at 0.5 per cent body weight (R-11). silage + concentrate at 1.0 per cent body weight (R-III), silage + wncentrate at 1.5 per cent body weight (R-IV), silage + lucerne hay (R-V) and silage + GN haulms (R-VI) to develilp a feeding system based on maize (Zea mays) silage with supplementation of wncentrate mixture and or legume hay/straw at appropriate level for optimum growth, production and carcass characteristics and compared with the performance of ram lambs fed sweet sorghum bagasse based complete diet (R-VII). The first experiment with early weaned ram lambs. the weight gain (kg) and average daily gains (g) were non significantly different among the lambs fed different creep rations. The FCR was significantly (Pc0.01) higher by 9.17 and 19.98 per cent in ram lambs fed R-I and R-I1 rations, respectively in comparison to lambs fed R-111 ration (unconventional creep). Cost (Rs.)/kg live weight gain was significantly (P<0.01) lower by 14.60 and 16.56 per cent in lambs fed R-I and R-I11 rations, respectively in comparison to those fed R-I1 ration. The DCP intake (g/d or g/kg w0 ") was significantl y (P<0.05) higher by 1 1.9 1, 1 8.75 and 1 3.90 and 1 5.14 per cent in ram lambs fed R-I ration in comparison to those fed R-I1 and R-Ill rations, respectively. TDN (g/d) and ME (W/d) intake in early weaned ram lambs fed R-I, R-I1 and R-I11 rations were comparable among the creep rations. In the second growth trail with complete rations containing different ratios of sorghum straw and concentrate in Nellore ram lambs, the ADG was significantly (PK0.05) different among the four experimental complete rations. No difference was found in ADG between CR-I and CR-I1 rations and also between CR-111 and R-IV rations. There was 69.35, 39.58 and 17.72 per cent higher gain, respectively in lambs fed CR-IV ration than CR-I, CR-I1 and CR-I11 rations. The FCR was lower (P<0.01) by 1 1.87, 16.91 and 22.54 per cent with CR-111, CR-I1 and CR-I rations, respectively in comparison to CR-IV ration. Cost (Rs.) per kg live weight gain was significantly (P<0.01) highest in the ram lambs fed CR-rV ration and was lowest in CR-I and it was lower by 4.53, 14.33 and 20.84 per cent, respectively in comparison to CR-11, CR-I11 and CR-IV rations. The DM1 (g/d) increased significantly (P<0.05) as the level of concentrate increased in the complete rations. No significant difference was found in digestibilities of DM, OM, EE, CF and NFE. However, CP digestibility was higher either significantly or non significantly by 2.12, 5.50 and 9.36 per cent, respectively in lambs fed CR-I1 (P>0.05), CR-111 (P>0.05) and CR-IV (P4.05) rations in comparison to lambs fed CR-I ration. Further, CP digestibility was higher by 7.09 and 3.66 per cent in lambs fed CR-IV ration than those fed CR-I1 (P<0.05) and CR-I11 (PB0.05) ration. The average NDF, ADF, hemicelluloses and cellulose digestibility coefficients were non significantly different among the four rations. The DCP content of complete rations was progressively increased significantl y (P<0.05) by 19.49, 4 1.1 7 and 64.12 per cent in CR-11. CR-111 and CR-IV rations, respectively in comparison to CR-I ration as the level of concentrate increased from 30% to 60% in the diet. TDN (%), DE (MJkg DM) and ME (MJAcg DM) values were higher either significantl y or non significantly by 5.13-5.16, 9.39-9.51 and 14.65-14.67 per cent in lambs fed CR-I1 (P>O.OS), CR-I11 (Pc0.05) and CR-IV (Pc0.05) rations, respectively. The N intake (g/d) was significantly (PO.O5), 133.46 (P<0.01) and 198.87 (Pc0.01) per cent with CR-11, CR-I11 and CR-IV rations, respectively in comparison to CR-I ration. The N balance expressed as per cent intake or per cent absorbed was comparable among the four complete rations. The DCP intake (g/d) was significantly higher by 34.26, 56.80 and 99.86 per cent, respectively with CR-11, CR- 111 and CR-IV rations in wmparison to CR-I ration. Intakes of TDN (gld), DE (MJId) and ME (MJ/d) were significantly (PThesisItem Open Access EFFECT OF FEEDING SWEET SORGHUM BAGASSE (SSB) BASED DIETS ON NUTRIENT UTILIZATION AND PERFORMANCE IN NATIVE SHEEP(SRI VENKATESWARA VETERINARY UNIVERSITY TIRUPATI - 517 502. (A.P.) INDIA, 2011-02) NALINI KUMARI, N; RAMANA REDDY, Y(MAJOR); BLUMMEL, Y; NAGALAKSHMI, D; SUDHAKAR, K; RAVINDER REDDY, VABSTRACT: Sweet sorghum bagasse (SSB) is a by-product of ethanol industry and gaining importance in the country. The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the nutritional value of SSB and SSB silage based rations, to optimize the SSB to concentrate ratio and evolve an economically viable and easily adaptable processed SSB based complete diet, documented with the performance of growing lambs in terms of growth rate, nutrient utilization and carcass characteristics. ' Dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre, nitrogen free extract, total ash, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent fibre, hemicellulose, cellulose and lipin content of SSB was 92.5, 90.75, 3.94, 1.89, 37.58, 47.34, 9.25, 74.76, 42.93, 3 1.84, 37.75 and 4.24 per cent, respectively. The major elements calcium, phosphorus and trace elements like Cu, Mn, Zn and Fe content were 0.82, 0.47 per cent and 57.40, 47.67, 48.78 and 0.27 ppm, respectively. The IVDMD (%) of SSB was 40.27k1.68. The gas. volume (m1/200mg) produced during 24 hr of incubation of SSB was 42.67*0.17 and IVOMD (mg), ME (MJ/kg DM), PF, TDOM (mg), MBP (mg) and EMBP (%) were 93.87rt0.37, 8.13*0.02, 2.79*0.01, 1 19.08*0.34, 25.2 1*0.35, 2 1.1 7dz0.28, respectively. The bulk density of SSB was 4.W0.06 and 6.5 *0.25 kglcft, respectively for chopped and ground forms. The modulus of uniformity, modulus of fineness, particle size (p) and molasses absorbability (%) of SSB were 5:2:3, 5.33,665.303*1.52 and 33.0, respectively. The nutritive value of SSB was estimated in adult Deccani rams by using difference method of digestibility trial with sunflower cake. The digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, CP, EE, CF and NFE of SSB were 52.57k0.93, 57.48h1.85, 47.2 1k2.50, 58.62*1.24, 50.83*1.09 and 57.32k3.86 per cent, respectively. The SSB contained 1.86*0.10 and 50.5W1.79 per cent DCP and TDN, respectively. The SSB was made into silage in chopped and unchopped forms and evaluated for nutrient utilization in Deccani ram lambs with concentrate supplementation. Chopping significantly (Pc0.05) depressed the DM and CF digestibility of SSB silage. There was no significant difference observed in the digestibility of CP, EE, NFE and fibre fractions, nitrogen balance, DCP and TDN intakes of ram lambs fed unchopped and chopped SSB silage. The optimum ratios of SSB to concentrate in complete feed were determined by using in vitro gas technique with eight SSB to concentrate ratios of 100:O (Ration I), 90:lO (Ration II), 80:20 (Ration 111), 70:3G (Ration TV), 60:40 (Ration V), 50:50 (Ration VI), 40:60 (RationVII) and 30:70 (Ration VIII), respectively. The in vitro gas production volume and IVOMD was significantly (Pc0.01) higher for the ration I11 to VIII. Among all the rations, VIII has shown higher (Pc0.01) ME and TDOM compared to other rations and the trend observed in ME, TDOM values reflected that, as the concentrates proportion increased, these values were also proportionately increased. The rations fiom I1 to VIII were significantly (Pc0.01) higher in PF, MBP and EMBP. However, no significant difference was observed for PF and EMBP among the rations from V to VIII. Based on the in vitro studies, rations containing 60 (CR-I), 50 (CR-11), 40 (CR-111) and 30 per cent (CR-IV) SSB were selected as best levels of inclusion in complete diets and evaluated in a growth trial (180 d) using twenty four Nellore x Deccani cross ram lambs. No significant difference was observed in total weight gain, ADG, FCR, whereas costlkg gain was significantly (P<0.01) higher in lambs fed CRIV ration. The digestibility coefficients of DM, OM, CF, NFE and fibre fractions were not significantly different among the rations. The CP and EE digestibilities were significantly (Pc0.01) higher in CR-IV ration. The average daily intakes of GE, DE and ME were similar among the lambs fed experimental rations. The N balance was significantly (Pe0.05) lower in lambs fed CR-1 ration than CR-I11 and IV. All lambs were in positive Ca and P balance. The DCP content of the diets exhibited significant (P<0.01) linear increase with increased proportion of concentrate in the diet. The TDN values were similar among the experimental rations. No significant difference was observed in carcass characteristics and meat quality of experimental animals. In another growth trial, a complete ration with 50:50 SSB to concentrate was processed into mash (SSBM), expander extruded pellets (SSBP) and chopped SSB mixed with concentrate (SSBC) and evaluated in twenty four Nellore x Deccani cross ram lambs in comparison to sorghum stover based complete ration (50 SS: 50C) in mash (SSM) fonn. The total weight gain, ADG, FCR of ram lambs fed SSBP was sibaificantly (P<0.01) higher than SSM, SSBC, SSBM diets, but the values were comparable among the SSBM, SSM and SSBC diets. The SSBP diet was more (PcO.01) economical to gain one kg of body weight than the SSBC and SSM diet and it was comparable in ram lambs fed SSBM and SSM diets. The SSBP had significantly higher (P<0.01) DM, OM, CP, CF (Pc0.05) digestibility than the other three diets SSM, SSSBC and SSBM, but these were comparable between SSBM and SSM diets. The cellulose digestibility was significantly higher in lambs fed SSBP diet than SSM and SSBC diets. Significantly (P<0.01) higher ME was taken by the lambs fed SSBP than the other three diets. There was significantly higher N (P<0.05), Ca (P<0.01) and P (Pc0.05) balance in lambs fed SSBP diet compared to those fed the other three rations. SSBP was significantly (P<0.01) higher in DCP, TDN, DE and ME values compared to SSM, SSBC and SSBM rations. The DCP, DE and ME values were comparable between SSBM and SSM diets, but TDN was higher (Pc0.01) in SSBM diet. The average DCP and TDN intake (g/d and g/ kg wO.") of lambs fed SSBP diet was significantly (P<0.01) higher than those fed the other three rations, whereas these were comparable between SSBM and SSM diet. The pre slaughter weight was significantly (P<0.05) higher in SSBP ration compared to other three rations. Processing could not influence the other carcass characteristics and meat quality. The SSB can be included at 50-60 per cent level in the complete rations of growing ram lambs for economic meat production and it could be better utilized, if processed into expander extruder pellets.ThesisItem Open Access EVALUATION OF CROP RESIDUE BASED COMPLETE RATIONS FOR AUGMENTING MILK AND MEAT PRODUCTION IN BUFFALOES AND SHEEP(Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University, TIRUPATI ā 517 502,A.P, 2012-05) RAJA KISHORE, K; RAMANA, J.V (Major); RAGHAVA RAO, E; RAVI, A; SRINIVAS KUMAR, D; ESWARA PRASAD, P; SUDHAKARA REDDY, PABSTRACT : In the present study, initially three isonitrogenous complete rations (roughage: concentrate, 60:40) were formulated using locally available crop residues such as maize stover (T1), red gram straw (T2) and black gram straw (T3) along with a conventional feeding system (control āCā) comprising of paddy straw, hybrid napier and concentrate mixture fed separately were evaluated for their nutrient digestibility, balance, nutritive value and rumen fermentation pattern using four rumen fistulated Murrah buffalo bulls and adult Nellore rams in a 4X4 LSD in each. The crop residues, conventional and complete rations were also evaluated by in vitro and in situ methods to study the DM, CP, NDF and ADF degradabilities. Subsequently, two on-farm trials were conducted, one with lactating Murrah buffaloes using maize stover based complete ration (T1) and the other with growing Nellore ram lambs using black gram straw based complete ration (T3). In a 120 day on-farm lactation trial, 20 farmers possessing minimum of two lactating Murrah buffaloes were selected and fed such that one of the animal was fed on maize stover based complete ration (T1) while the other on a conventional (C) feeding system (grazing + hybrid napier + paddy straw and concentrate mixture) thus consisting of two groups of 20 buffaloes each. In a 120 day on-farm growth trial, 100 growing Nellore brown ram lambs belonging to 8 farmers were selected and fed such that half of the ram lambs belonging to each farmer were fed on black gram straw based complete ration (T3) while the other half was maintained on a conventional (C) feeding system (grazing for 6-8 h+ concentrate mixture) thus consisting two groups of 50 ram lambs each. The in vitro DM, CP and ADF degradabilities (%) were higher (P<0.01) in red gram straw while the in vitro NDF degradability (%) was comparable among the different crop residues. The in vitro degradabilities (%) of DM and NDF (%) were higher (P<0.05) in the complete rations (T1 to T3) than in conventional ration, while the in vitro CP and ADF degradabilities (%) were comparable among the experimental rations. The effective in situ DM and ADF degradabilities (%) were higher (P<0.01) in black gram straw than in maize stover and red gram straw while the CP and NDF in situ degradabilities (%) were not significantly different among the crop residues. The effective degradability of CP and NDF was higher (P<0.05) in complete rations compared to conventional ration while the degradability of DM and ADF did not differ significantly among the experimental rations. The rumen fermentation studies in fistulated Murrah buffalo bulls revealed that the pH, TVFA and nitrogen fractions i.e. NH3-N, TCA insoluble N and residual N were higher (P<0.01) in T1 to T3 fed buffalo bulls than in C fed buffalo bulls while TN and food and protozoal nitrogen did not differ significantly. The concentration of all the nitrogen fractions and TVFA peaked at 2-4 h post feeding while the rumen pH peaked at 2 h post feeding. The DM intake (kg/d) was almost similar in all the experimental rations fed to Murrah buffalo bulls. The digestibilities (%) of DM, CP, EE, CF, NDF, ADF, hemi-cellulose and cellulose (P<0.01); OM and NFE (P<0.05) were higher in buffalo bulls fed complete rations than in conventional feeding system. The N retention (g/d) was higher (P<0.01) in T1 to T3 than in C fed buffalo bulls. The Ca and P balances were not significantly different among the experimental rations. The DM and TDN intake per W kg0.75 were higher (P<0.05) in buffaloes fed C while higher (P<0.05) DCP intake per W kg0.75 was observed in buffalo bulls fed T2. The digestibilities (%) of DM, NDF, ADF, hemi-cellulose and cellulose (P<0.05) and NFE (P<0.01) were higher in rams fed complete rations than those fed conventional ration while OM, CP, EE and CF digestibilities did not differ significantly. The DCP and TDN intakes (kg) increased significantly (P<0.01) among the treatments in the animals fed complete rations compared to conventional ration. The DM and TDN intake values per W kg0.75 were higher (P<0.05) in rams fed T1 to T3 than those fed conventional ration. On-farm lactation studies revealed that the average milk yield, fat, 6% FCM, butter fat yield, SNF, TS, protein and casein were higher (P<0.01) in buffaloes fed complete ration (T1 ) compared to conventional feeding system. The DMI/kg 6 % FCM and the cost of feed were improved by 24 % in buffaloes fed complete ration than those fed conventional ration. The ADG (g) was higher (P<0.01) in ram lambs fed complete ration (93.85) compared to the conventional grazing system (80.24). The dressing per centage, hot carcass weight, lean (%) and wholesale cuts (%) i.e. leg, loin, rack, shoulder and neck were higher (P<0.01), fore shank and brisket (P<0.01)and bone (P<0.05) were lower in ram lambs fed complete ration than those maintained on conventional grazing system. It can be concluded from the present study that, maize stover was considered to be best among the selected crop residues in terms of its potential nutritive value and these crop residue based complete rations can effectively be included in daily rations of buffaloes and sheep with minimum adaptation period. They resulted in marked improvement in nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation pattern, feed efficiency, growth rate and decreased feed cost per kg 6% FCM yield in buffaloes and weight gain in ram lambs. Hence, it is observed that feeding of complete rations formulated based on crop residues could be beneficial over conventional feeding system. Further, these can form as a source for economical feeding system at times of need without any adverse effects on animal health.